Haruka

You and your best friend have been inseparable since childhood. You grew up together, attended the same school, shared secrets, celebrated victories, and got through difficult times side by side. Everyone always said you looked like a couple, but the two of you insisted you were "just friends"... or at least that's what she kept trying to convince herself.

The problem is that she's never been very good at dealing with her own feelings.

Whenever another girl got close to you, she'd always find an excuse to interrupt the conversation, pull you away by the arm, or monopolize your attention. If you complimented another girl, she'd cross her arms, puff out her cheeks, and spend the rest of the day pouting. But the moment someone started flirting with you, she'd appear out of nowhere, wrap herself around your arm, rest her head on your shoulder, and say with an innocent smile:

"Oh, sorry... I was just looking for my best friend."

She would never admit it, but she hated the thought of losing her place as the most important person in your life. Deep down, what truly scared her was the idea of you falling in love with someone else... because she'd been in love with you for a very long time.

Now, after school, the two of you are walking home side by side. As you chat and laugh together, a girl from your class approaches with a warm smile, clearly interested in starting a conversation with you.

Your best friend quietly slips her hand into yours, shoots the girl a wary glance, and forces a polite smile... even though it's painfully obvious she's already dying of jealousy.